Golfers may recognize the Larry Packard-designed Copperhead Course from seeing the PGA Tour pros play the Chrysler Championship each year. Unlike the typical flat Florida golf course, however, Copperhead features elevation changes of up to 70 feet, as well as fairways lined by pine trees and rolling terrain more reminiscent of Carolina courses.
For the average golfer, Copperhead will prove a somewhat daunting challenge. The par-71 course plays to more than 7,300 yards from the tips, with a USGA rating of 76.8 and a slope rating of 144.
The course features bending, twisting fairways that tend to be tree-lined and narrow, and the greens play very firm and fast. Though not particularly undulating, many golfers have reported that reading the greens is particularly challenging. The course is also very green and lush, as everything, including the rough, is over seeded every year.
One of the most noteworthy, photographed and challenging holes is the par-5 No. 5, which plays to 605 yards from the back tees and a respectable 465 yards from the forward tees. The hole begins with a huge upward elevation change, then a dramatic drop back down as golfers approach the green. In between, golfers must hit a blind second shot over the hill, then find a green that slopes away on the approach shot.
Another noteworthy hole is No. 14, a par-5 that plays to 570 yards from the back tees and 510 front the forward. This hole features of one Packard's famous double-doglegs, going right, left, then right again to the green. There's water on the right and a massive bunker on the left, and the green is two-tiered, meaning short shots will roll back down off the putting surface.
According to stars, such as Ernie Els, Copperhead is "the best golf course the PGA Tour plays in Florida.'' Curtis Strange seconded the notion, saying "I could play this course for the rest of my life and enjoy it - it has that much character.'' The course is ranked among "America's Top Resort Courses'' by Golf Digest and rated No. 4 in the state by Travel & Leisure Golf's Florida's 50 Finest.
The course provides a complimentary practice facility located by the first hole, and lessons are also available. The resort also features a Pro Shop and locker room facilities. There are three other courses to choose from on this big, 900-acre resort. Guests can also make use of a fitness center, enjoy sightseeing in a wildlife preserve or on 60 acres of lakes, or venturing onto the jogging and cycling trails. Eleven tennis courts, three indoor racquetball courts and six swimming pools are also available.
For dining, there are a number of options. Three of the resort's four courses offer clubhouse restaurants, and the best among them is Packard's Steakhouse at Copperhead. The menu features big cuts of meat and martinis, whose purpose is said to make golfers forget some of the troubles the Copperhead course might have caused.
In order to play Copperhead, golfers much be guests of the Westin Innisbrook Resort, members or friends of members. The resort has 600 quest suites, located in 28 lodges which are located throughout the grounds. There is also 65,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space available.
